LA Trail Hikers, it’s a new year and we’re ready for another year of great adventures with you! This will be the first LATH hike of 2015! Come join us on a night hike to get our hiking season started! FYI, the Jan/Feb LATH hikes list is still being ironed out, but should be posted in the following days. In the meantime, let’s get the show on the road!
Click Here: Night Hike Griffith Park – Merry Go Round (Level 4)
Dearest LA Trail Hikers,
Congratulations on being part of another amazing LATH hiking season! It’s been a great one, and I’m glad you were all part of it from January, or sometime later in the year. The advocacy for bringing people out to experience, learn about, and understand the needs of nature has continued to thrive through this group. Even though the year has come to a close, we have many achievements to recognize.
This year marked the group’s fifth year anniversary of its foundation, and it’s all thanks to each one of you that we have continued strong since August 17, 2009. When the group first started leading guided hikes, there wasn’t certainty that this little hiking group would be around beyond two years, but that didn’t stop it from moving forward and going beyond expectations. That’s five years of LA Trail Hikers on the trails of Greater Los Angeles!
The group has had many great adventures in 2014. We had at least 160 hikes on the 2014 LATH itinerary. The first hike was on January 8th and the last hike was on December 10th. However, along with these hikes came some great side adventures. In March, we traveled to Nevada and took a Road Trip Hike exploring trails at Valley of Fire State Park. March also allowed some LATH volunteers to do some garden maintenance in Amir’s Garden at Griffith Park. In April, in collaboration with the LA Trail Bikers, we participated in the Relay For Life event in the City of Commerce. In June we participated in the National Trails Day and it also brought in the new LATH Digital Team volunteers. In August, we had the LATH Annual Beach Party and celebrated LATH’s 5th year anniversary the next day. Also in August, a few volunteers represented LATH at Yosemite to help raise funds for NatureBridge. October was a highly anticipated month where we went to Arizona to take a Road Trip Hike to the Grand Canyon. It was something we had wanted to do for years, but finally came to fruition. November took a few volunteers back to Yosemite for a second chance at helping NatureBridge in raising funds. Overall, the additional ventures did help many hikers experience new areas and activities they may have not visited or done in the past. If you were able to join us on any of these, I hope the memories will stay warm in your hearts.
In the years that the group has been around, we’ve have had volunteers whose commitment and dedication help the group be what it is.
This year brought in new volunteers to help us on the digital end. The LATH Digital Team arose in June. They’ve been quite active on our social media accounts and have been updating our followers with hike updates and other types of hiking related posts. It seems that more and more people find us because of these efforts and get them hiking with us, or simply inspired to continue the activity themselves. Although this team puts in their own time and their own posts/updates, they do so in a seamless way to represent one voice, the LATH voice of the online hiking community. I want to take this opportunity to recognize all our Digital team members for doing what they do behind the scenes to keep everyone up to date on the happenings of the group.
And, when talking about the group’s volunteers, we certainly note the folks that lead the group’s hikes, the LATH Hike Leads. Without them, there would be no hiking component to the group. They are the ones taking care of, encouraging, and leading hikers on adventures throughout the year. They are one of the core pieces to the success of the LA Trail Hikers. They are hikers with a passion to help others.
Included in this year’s message, a few of our volunteers were able to send some season-ending messages just for you:
“I wish everyone in this great organization the happiest of holidays and the merriest of New Years! Can’t wait to see y’all on the trail and in Zion in 2015!”
– Peter Flanigan, LATH Digital Team
“It has been a pleasure to hike and lead you all this past year. Hope you all enjoyed the trails along with the many laughs we shared! Thank you again for a great year.. looking forward to an even better hiking year in 2015!! Happy Trails and Happy New year!”
– Janiece Cordova, LATH Hike Lead
“2014 was an amazing year. I hiked beautiful, scenic trails, got to go on exciting road trips, and made many wonderful friendships. I want to wish all of you LA Trail Hikers a happy and blessed 2015. I’m looking forward to hitting the trails with you all.”
– Caesar Estrada, LATH Digital Team
“To all the hikers who joined us in 2014 I hope you enjoyed your experience with LATH. It is my honor to be able to be a hike leader for LATH. I have met so many wonderful people and shared some great experiences this year. I’ve seen beginner hikers become more advanced hikers and many lifelong friendships formed. It is always wonderful to see and be a part of many memorable experiences. Here is to many more in 2015!”
– Diana Herrera, LATH Hike Lead
“This has been an awesome year for me. I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful people through LATH. Many have inspired me to challenge myself and do things that I didn’t think was physically possible a year ago. I have become more active and living a healthier lifestyle since joining LATH. For that I thank everyone of you whom I’ve met and hope to meet. Let us continue to inspire each other in the coming year.”
– Linh Le, LATH Digital Team
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a hike lead for what I consider a great group of people. What you all should know is that being a hike lead is a two-way street and I get so much back just from all the wonderful people I have met, friends, and truly amazing people that make up our group. Thank you all for the opportunity to participate and give back. Have a fantastic coming year and best of wishes to all.”
– Sylvia Quinteros, LATH Hike Lead
“‘People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.’ – Edmund Hillary
‘Take Action – Be Extraordinary’ – Tony Ramos”
– Tony Ramos, LATH Hike Lead
I personally want to thank all of our volunteers for all the time they put into working with our hikers, each other, and me on helping make this one great hiking group. You are all very special for helping others ignite their passion for hiking and for making sure their fires stay lit.
| LATH Hike Leads | LATH Digital Team |
| Irma Padilla | Peter Flanigan |
| Sylvia Quinteros | Catherine Salgado |
| Diana Herrera | Linh Le |
| Tony Ramos | Busta Groove |
| Janiece Cordova | Caesar Estrada |
| Carol Martinez | Cindy Pena |
| Jason Bazalar | Harvey Fiji |
| Justine Orantes | |
| Laura Sardisco | |
| Alisa Barraza | |
| Patty Guerra | |
| Chris Lockett | |
| Lia Wong | |
| Jason Bazalar |
In 2014, the group came across many new hikers that became part of the long-standing hiking family that you have all helped us create. Hikers, old and new, continue showing lots of love for the group, and in return we get some awesome people joining in us on hikes. The LA Trail Hikers group is here because of you. So, this is my opportunity to thank each and everyone of you for being part of this group. For believing in it. And, for holding it such high regard. I hope that your experience with this group stays close to your heart. It is a lot of work, but in the end, your smiles make it all worth it.
On behalf of all the LATH volunteers (Hike Leads & Digital Team), thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part the LA Trail Hikers. And, I hope you have a great holiday season with family and friends, and look forward to joining the LA Trail Hikers in 2015!
My best to you,
Jason Bazalar
Founder | Organizer | Hike Lead | Digital Team
LA Trail Hikers
We are happy to announce that the LA Trail Hikers will be heading to Zion National Park, Utah in the Fall of 2015!
(Details will be announced at a later time during 2015)
It’s the holiday season and we thought we’d give you a little gift in the form of announcement. Make sure you check back with us this Thursday! It should good one. #LATH
We’ll need to cancel tomorrow’s hike Mishe Mokwa hike as Sylvia, our scheduled hike lead, our team of some untimely health reasons. She will be said to take it easy for the time being. There will be no replacement hike is scheduled for this cancelled hike.
Due to expected rain during the intended hiking time, our Griffith Park – Vermont night hike (Dec 03, 2014) will need to be canceled for tonight. As you know we try our best to keep our hikers safe, and rainfall during this trail would not be safe grounds for us. We thank you for considering this hike. We hope to see you on another hike! #LATH
Courtesy of weather.com
Due to expected rain (precipitation level higher than 20) during the intended hiking time, our Inspiration Point hike will need to be canceled for today. As you know we try our best to keep our hikers safe, and rainfall on this trail would not be safe grounds for us. We thank you for considering this hike. We hope to see you on another hike! #LATH
Courtesy of weather.com
It’s almost time for the holiday season and our LATH Hike Leads have prepared a great list of hikes for November and December to close out the 2014 LATH hiking season. We’ve had some great adventures in 2014, including our recent Grand Canyon Road Trip Hike! Just so you know, that trip was one that the hike leads had planning on setting up for a few years, and it finally came to fruition! Throughout 2014, we’ve met many new hikers that have become part of, what our hikers have warmly called, our LATH family. We’re happy to have with us while we go on some great hikes in and around Los Angeles. In addition, at the end of our hiking season, we have schedule a LATH Winter Break (details listed below the December hikes) to allow our hike leads to take a well deserved break. But hey, the season’s not done yet, so let’s get to that hikes list schedule and go on a LATH hike!
FOLLOW LATH ONLINE
The LATH Digital Team keeps you updated on upcoming LATH hikes/events, provide outdoor news/updates, share fun pictures, and help answer your hiking questions. So make sure you follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/latrailhikers
Instagram: http://instagram.com/latrailhikers
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+LATrailHikers
Tumblr: http://latrailhikers.tumblr.com
BEFORE YOU CLICK ON A HIKE LINK BELOW, PLEASE NOTE: The hike information on each page may not be up to date with regards to its meeting info/date/time it was linked from. However, it will display (or be created with) the correct information (date, times, and assigned hike lead) as the hike approaches its scheduled date. It does take some work to update these, so we work on the ones with closer upcoming dates first. If a hike has multiple upcoming dates (typically Wednesday night hikes), only the most upcoming date (and info) will be displayed, and will be updated accordingly.
HIKE LIST KEY:
Canceled Hike, Event, or Information
Added or Replacement Hike or Detail
* = New LATH Hike or Special Event (Information may be pending, if so, will be linked at a later date)
LIST LAST UPDATED: DEC 03, 2014, 5:23 AM
NOVEMBER
Sat – Nov 01 – Level 6 – North Etiwanda Preseve – 8:00 AM
Sun – Nov 02 – Level 4 – Ernest Debs Park – 9:00 AM
Wed – Nov 05 – Level 5 – Griffith Park – Vermont – 7:00 PM
Sat – Nov 08 – Level 2 – Arroyo Pescadero – 8:00 AM
Sun – Nov 09 – Level 6 – Schabarum Park – Powder Canyon – 8:00 AM – (CANCELLED)
Sun – Nov 09 – Level 4 – Griffith Park – Dante’s Peak – 8:00 AM – (REPLACEMENT HIKE)
Wed – Nov 12 – Level 5 – Griffith Park – Merry Go Round – 7:00 PM
Sat – Nov 15 – Level 3 – Eaton Canyon Falls – 8:00 AM
Sun – Nov 16 – Level 4 – West Fork – Cogswell Dam – 8:30 AM
Wed – Nov 19 – Level 4 – Griffith Park – Vermont – 7:00 PM
Sat – Nov 22 – Level 7 – San Jacinto Peak– 7:30 AM
Sun – Nov 23 – Level 4 – El Prieto Canyon – 8:00 AM
Tue – Nov 25 – Level 4 – Marshall Canyon – 8:30 AM
Wed – Nov 26 – Level 4 – Griffith Park – Merry Go Round – 7:00 PM
Fri – Nov 28 – Level 4 – Claremont Hills Wilderness – 9:00 AM
Sat – Nov 29 – Level 5 – Hollywood Sign – 8:00 AM
Sun – Nov 30 – Level 7 – Inspiration Point – 8:00 AM (CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN)
DECEMBER
Wed – Dec 03 – Level 5 – Griffith Park – Vermont – 7:00 PM (CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN)
Sat – Dec 06 – Level 5 – Mishe Mokwa – 8:30 AM
Sun – Dec 07 – Level 3 – Monrovia Canyon Falls – 8:00 AM
Wed – Dec 10 – Level 5 – Griffith Park – Merry Go Round – 7:00 PM (Last LATH Hike of 2014)
LA TRAIL HIKERS – WINTER BREAK
From December 11, 2014 to January 6, 2015
During our Winter Break, the LA Trail Hikers group is dormant and will not schedule or lead any hikes. This allows our hikers and hike leads to enjoy the holiday season and take a well deserved break until we return at the start of the 2015 LATH Hiking Season.
2015 LATH HIKING SEASON
We will start the 2015 LATH Hiking Season on: Wednesday, January 7, 2015.
WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL?:
Please make sure to gauge yourself based on the hike’s difficulty level by looking at our Hike Level descriptions.
Find out more about hiking levels here:
http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/
HIKE CANCELLATION NOTE: Should any hike need to be cancelled (due to heavy rain or other reasons), we’ll try to post on our website’s hike’s detail page and on our Facebook page, about 1 .5 hours prior to the meeting point, so you are aware. Otherwise, the hike is considered a go.
ADDITIONAL HIKE NOTES:
– Weekend hikes are primarily in the morning unless otherwise indicated.
– All hikes are subject to change, cancellation or other modifications. We may even add in additional hikes that may not appear on the original posting.
– We try to schedule 2-3 months worth of hikes so we always have a fresh new set every so often.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE WITH THE GROUP ON THESE HIKES?
1. Read the details page for the hike you’re interested in.
2. Make sure that the Hike Level accommodates your hiking experience.
3. If, and only if it suits you, then (optional: RSVP via Facebook for the event and) show up the day of the hike with all necessary gear and water (we mention everything you need on each details page per hike).
MY FRIEND SAID I CAN DO THIS HIKE, I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO IT, RIGHT?
We take your safety quite seriously, and would not like for you to attend a hike you’re not ready for. You know your body and hiking experience better than your friends. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced hiker, please read our hike details page as the hike may not suite your experience level. We have a better experience if every hike has hikers of the intended level.
DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Volunteers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attending,” or attending the hike, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Additionally, you will not be allowed to participate with the group if you are not adequately prepared with enough water and the right gear/equipment/nutrition essential to complete the hike. You are fully responsible for yourself.
UPDATE : All 5 spots are now filled. No more openings at this time.
In November, the LA Trail Hikers will be continue a great volunteer partnership with NatureBridge, a non-profit organization, by helping them raise funds for NatureBridge programs and help kids participate in environmental science programs in Yosemite National Park through school scholarships.
We are looking for five (5) LA Trail Hikers who will represent our group and participate in this volunteering event at Yosemite during:
Monday, November 10, 2014 – Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Mon, November 10 – Arrival, Orientation, Team Building, Volunteer Training (Group Dinner)
Tue, November 11 – Volunteering Day, Evening Group Activities (Breakfast, a packed Lunch, Group Dinner)
Wed, November 12 – Yosemite Park Day Exploration/Hike, Drive Home (Breakfast)
(Accomodations will be provided on Monday & Tuesday night.)
Volunteer Activity Day (Nov 11):
As a volunteer, you will be collecting donations park visitors while standing in front of the park gates. All donations collected will go to NatureBridge to support their outdoor programs for students.
We ask that you only RSVP if:
– You are 100% availabe for all 3 days (meaning, having any time off is already approved).
– You are be able to stand/walk for about 6-8 hours during the volunteer event (with small rest breaks of course).
– Must be 18+ years of age.
Previous LATH Volunteers:
If you have been on a NatureBridge volunteering event before, we’re sure you know how amazing and rewarding this experience can be. Especially a Yosemite first-time visitor. And for this reason, we are looking to provide this experience to new participants first. So we ask that you give others an opportunity to sign up first. If the 5 spots are not filled by Oct 5, 2014, we’ll then open it to returning volunteers.
If you meet all conditions, RSVP Here: LATH Yosemite Volunteer RSVP (Eventbrite)
Specific information will be provided to participating attendees prior to the event/trip. Carpooling will be setup prior to event.
We look forward to having you join us on this event!
Sat – Aug 16 – LATH Beach Party 2014
LOCATION UPDATE (8/16): We’ll be just left of Lifeguard Tower 22 @ Bolsa Chica State Beach.
Summer is here, and LA Trail Hikers are ready to enjoy a day in the sun. We’ll be taking a day off trails to celebrate the accomplishments of our LATH hikers with an all day beach party! This event starts early in the morning for some good swimming/sunbathing, and continues through the night for a great evening with a bonfire. Some hikers spend all day with us, and others come for part of the day or night. And best of all, it’s a potluck style event, so bring any good food and beverages to share with everyone!
SOCIAL EVENT: LA Trail Hikers – Beach Party 2014
EVENT DATE: August 16, 2014
EVENT TIME: 8:00am – 10pm (All Day Event)
LIFE GUARD TOWER #: 22 (Just left of it)
Make sure to stay to your right as you enter the beach.
MEETING POINT:
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Life Guard Tower # 22 (on the left side)
17851 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
The entrance to the beach is on Pacific Coast Highway, about one and a half miles south of Warner Avenue.
Bolsa Chica State Beach is slightly south of Seal Beach and north of Huntington Beach.
EVENT DESCRIPTION: The sun is out and the LA Trail Hiker are ready for their 2014 Beach Party! Join us to enjoy the wonderful combination of great food, friends and families at Bolsa Chica State Beach! This event is open to all our LATH Hikers.
EVENT RSVP: Let us know you’re be attending! RSVP via FB at:
https://www.facebook.com/latrailhikers/events
POTLUCK INFO: This is a potluck-style event so bring a dish and drinks to s
hare with others. Bringing something to the beach party? If you have any portable cooking tools/Propane BBQ Grills (no charcoal grills), please feel free to bring them. Keep in mind that people like to volunteer to cook around the clock. NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED. Let us know what goodies you’ll be bringing by putting your name and the items in the following form:
POTLUCK SIGNUP FORM
Bringing something? Let us know: http://bit.ly/q9bGTB
BEACH GEAR: So what should you take with you? It’s very important that you bring a chair and don’t forget your beach towels and a sweater for later that night. You’ll want to have plenty of sunscreen and other beach-related items. However, we recommend you taking any of the following to make your day/evening at the beach a great experience:
Beach/River Sandals – You may want to get into the water but with foot protection, so these may come in handy.
BEACH PARKING LOT FEE: $15.00 per vehicle (9 persons or less per vehicle). $20.00 for over-sized vehicles. It is best to arrive prior to 10 am to get good parking. It gets very crowded this time of year, so if you don’t want to spend hours waiting in line and trying to find parking, it is advised that you come early or later in the evening, not midday. If you come after, you may get locked out out of a full parking lot. And they will only allow people in once a number of people have left. So please get there earlier in the day.
DOG FRIENDLY?: Not really. No Dogs on sand, they can be on a leash on paved multi-use trail (bike path) only. We recommend leaving your pets at home, or with a designated caretaker while you’re at this event.
BOLSA CHICA STATE BEACH INFO:
DISCLAIMER: LA Trail Hikers and its Leads/Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm,bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By attending the event, you confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as bicycling, swimming, and all other beach activity may have an associated danger, and will not hold any hike lead/organizer, participant, LA Trail Hikers, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. We are not responsible for any loss or personal injury.
MAP: